THE Junior Darts Corporation's Modus UK Tour will be bigger than ever in 2018, with the first of eight events taking place on February 17 in Dorchester.
Junior players aged from ten-18 will be able to compete in eight one-day events during this year leading up to the WDS Associates Junior World Championship.
The season will begin on Saturday February 17 at the George Albert Hotel in Dorchester, and enjoys events in Worcester, Derby, South Benfleet, Chorlton, Exeter, Solihull and Wolverhampton.
Victory in one of the Modus UK Junior Darts Tour events will guarantee a player a spot in the WDS Associates Junior World Darts Championship field in December.
Further places will also be available to eight players from the JDC Academy Order of Merit, based on the nationwide academies which players compete in during the year.
In addition to securing places in the Junior World Championship, the top three players on the final UK Tour Order of Merit will also win a PDPA Scholarship to compete on the 2019 PDC Unicorn Development Tour.
The JDC circuit has received high-profile support from a number of top stars in recent months, with world number one Michael van Gerwen now a JDC Director and an ambassador alongside the likes of Simon Whitlock, Daryl Gurney, Paul Nicholson, Michael Smith and Dimitri Van den Bergh.
"This year we have increased the opportunities for more young players to have a chance to play in the Junior World Championship finals and make a name for themselves in 2018," said JDC Chairman Steve Brown.
"With the inclusion of the eight players from our academy Order of Merit, we will have 24 places available in December.
"Including the JDC All-Star programme working with Michael van Gerwen, prize money, Junior World Championship qualification and PDPA Scholarships up for grabs it's going to be a great tour for our junior players."
Austrian teenager Rusty-Jake Rodriguez won the 2017 Junior World Championship final against Owen Roelofs on stage at Alexandra Palace in December.
Meanwhile, 2017 UK Tour Order of Merit winner Jarred Cole was a finalist on the PDC Unicorn Challenge Tour on Saturday and Bradley Brooks will step onto the PDC ProTour this year after winning a PDC Tour Card at Qualifying School.
For membership information, please visit www.juniordarts.com, follow @JDCDarts on Twitter or search for "JDC Junior Darts Corporation" on Facebook.
2018 Modus UK Junior Darts Tour
Event One - February 17
The George Albert Hotel, Dorchester
Event Two - March 24
Rileys Worcester
Event Three - April 28
Cueball Club, Derby
Event Four - June 2
Rileys South Benfleet
Event Five - July 14
Rileys Chorlton
Event Six - September 15
Dart Locker, Exeter
Event Seven - October 27
Rileys Solihull
Event Eight - November 10
Rileys Wolverhampton
Grand Finals - December 1-2
TBC
Junior World Championship final to be played on stage at Alexandra Palace during 2018/2019 William Hill World Darts Championship.
Entry fee £5 per event for JDC Members, £10 per event for Non-Members.